Address: | 721 W 21st St, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA |
Phone: | +1 757-628-1025 |
Site: | kotobukisushibar.com |
Rating: | 4.5 |
Working: | 11AM–2:30PM 11AM–2:30PM 11AM–2:30PM 11AM–2:30PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM Closed |
CA
Carl Cubiotti
We came to Norfolk this past weekend and were looking for a place for sushi. We found this place and thought it was unique how they had their tables set up and thought by looking through the menu that this would be a great choice and soon were taught that this was not what we were expecting. We started with a seaweed salad that was served on chopped iceberg lettuce and had an ok at best taste. I got the sushi - sashimi dinner and when I received it I knew I had made the wrong choice. Not only was the shrimp not fresh and made at minimum the day before but they actually served me imitation crab in my California roll and as a sashimi .choice. the service here was great but for being Friday at 6 pm we were the only guests in the entire place. During our hour and a half dining experience only 4 other people came in to eat which sold me on the fact that this place wasnt the go to spot for sushi. In regards to the establishment I would recommend that being close to the ocean they take advantage of the local markets and revamp the menu to fit a more fresh and desirable experience. In doing so I would definitely return. The staff were great and the presentation of my meal was great just the quality really turned us off.
S
S Smith
-Its interesting that this place is run by a Japanese family but they dont offer washcloths -Tried getting a reservation and the girl on the phone seemed like she was a 16 and never been exposed to customer service -However the manager was very sweet and made sure to talk to everyone in the restaurant (I thought was a little strange that she did this before our food got here but its the thought that counts) -dim lighting -the green tea is watered down like it is for most places (Im assuming for Americans who cant handle it stronger) -the ramen isnt anything to write home about but its really considering that its not a ramen house, its really good. Not too big, not too small. Theyll give you little bowls if you wanna share with others. The noodles probably arent made in house but the broth and toppings are quality -I would come back for the sushi especially because the rice is good, they know how to make egg nigiri, and they make hand rolls with plenty of fish portions
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Rachel Dorman
I got the Dueling Dragon roll. It was great. My friend got the Volcano roll which was fried and it tasted like old grease. Not so good. The prices are pretty expensive here too. I was seated at a table around 8 pm Saturday night. There was a good crowd there but it was not overly packed. It took almost 30 minutes to even get a menu. Around 9 I saw another table get up and get their own menus. The table next to us stayed dirty the entire time we were there. We could hardly get any of the wait staff to make eye contact with us all night. It was terrible. There were 3 servers, and that place is not that big, I do not see any explanation for why they couldnt handle it. Ive been a server at a Japanese steakhouse before. I have never experienced service that bad in my life. I never leave reviews but I just couldnt believe their service was really that bad! I might have tried their food again but I definitely wont be due to the service!
CH
Christopher Waples
Went here for a birthday dinner and come to find out that Saturday night is bar night. This was not noted anywhere on their we site that i could find. The place was extremely loud and full of people, as one would normally find in / expect from a bar. Too bad I had already purchased a groupon for this place or I would have found an actual sushi restaurant. The miso soup was great, but the sushi was no better then that found at an all-you-can-eat Buffett. My last complaint would be the constant bombardment from the waitstaff trying to push alcoholic drinks on us while we tried to eat. I would not recommend this place for a family or date night. I honestly believe that on a different day, at a different time, this place may be the restaurant it is supposed to be.
HE
Henry Whelchel
Ive been following the Hampton Roads sushi scene since Yama impressed the hell out of me at Tokyo Inn, Va. Beach (in the late 1980s). On our first trip to Kotobuki we enjoyed sushi deluxe, miso soup, eel sushi, toro roll, house salad, and green tea - all were far superior to the majority of Japanese restaurants in Hampton Roads. Their quality of ingredients is right up there with Kyushu (Newtown Road), my nearby go-to sushi bar. I had a pleasant chat with the owner regarding the preparation of sushi rice, and she definitely knows what shes doing. They buy top-quality fish. I didnt get the impression they pursue fresh fish apart from distributors, but thats expected from all but the most serious sushi chefs. Every bite was a delight and Ill go again.
EV
Evangelist Lisa McLeod
I was in the mood for authentic Japanese food and I searched google... And Kotobuki came up. I read the great reviews and decided to give them a try. I was newly relocated from Dallas where they have lots of great eats and needed to feel at home. This place did not disappoint... I had plans to get carry out but the atmosphere was so inviting and Patricia and her mom were so friendly I decided to dine in. Excellent, authentic Japanese cuisine and absolutely marvelous service and ambience. I went back the next week for my birthday and brought family and friends. Im a tough customer but I was immensely pleased. Teriyaki chicken, fried oysters, California rolls, tempura veggies and the best green tea in town!
RY
Ryan Bodenstein
While not the cheapest sushi place in the area, it is BY FAR the best. I dont say this lightly. However, after visiting Japan a few years ago, this is the only place Ive been to that is on par with being there. The owner is from Okinawa, and Ive yet to have anything that wasnt superb here. If you want the best, and money doesnt matter, order chefs choice for sushi. Depending on which chef you get, it will be either some of the greatest traditional sushi youve had in the area, or the greatest modern style sushi youve had in the area. Furthermore, the udon is to die for. Why are you still reading this? Nowhere else in this area can even come close to comparing. GO!!!
TO
Too Hard
Authentic Japanese sushi made by actual Japanese chefs. The head chef and owner is actually professionally educated as a sushi chef. The fish is fresh and cut in the correct manner. Kitchen food is also fresh and home made in the traditional Japanese manner. Staff is very friendly and will answer all questions or make suggestions when asked. Has the feel of a traditional sushi-ya buy also offers group and family tatami mat seating. Worth the price, you can definitely taste it.
CH
chris harris
I have been coming here for three years. The food is always up to the highest standards and the menu is always different, showcasing whatever is in season. Unlike at other area restaurants, the staff is knowledgable and very well trained. They know their winelist well and I have always benefitted from their recommendations. This place is a cant miss no brainer. Be sure to call for reservations as the place is "cozy" with less than ten tables.